Compact and safe child carrying device

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for assisting an adult in shoulder-carrying a child is provided, wherein the apparatus has a first cuff for clasping a first ankle of the child, second cuff for clasping the second ankle of the child, and a belt in selective engagement with the first and second cuffs, wherein the belt wraps around the back and under the arms of the adult for substantially hands-free carrying of the child on the shoulders. The first and second cuffs are removable from the belt, and selectively clasp the first and second ankles of the child by respective first and second fastening members, such as Velcro, snaps, and buckles. The first and second fastening members, in one example, generally prohibit fastening to one another when not fastened to the belt. A self-contained carrier is further provided, wherein carrier is configured to contain the first and second cuffs and belt for portability.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 61/027,163 which was filed Feb. 8, 2008, entitled,Compact Child Safety And Convenience Belt, the entirety of which ishereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally child restraint systems, andmore particularly, to an apparatus for safely shoulder-carrying a childin a substantially hands-free manner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Carrying a child on ones shoulders has been practiced throughouthistory.

Conventionally, carrying a child on the shoulders has often required theholding of the child's ankles by the carrier's hands, wherein the childis stabilized and generally prevented from falling backwards. Moderatelycomplicated framed carrying devices have also been used, wherein thechild is placed in the framed carrying device and the carrying apparatusis fitted on the carrier's back or shoulders. Such conventional framedcarrying devices are often heavy, cumbersome, and not easily portable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary of the present invention inorder to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention.This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It isintended to neither identify key or critical elements of the inventionnor delineate the scope of the invention. Its purpose is to present someconcepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the moredetailed description that is presented later.

The present invention is generally directed toward an apparatus forassisting an adult in shoulder-carrying a child, wherein the apparatussafely secures the ankles of the child in front of the adult, whilebeing portable enough such that the entire apparatus can be stowed andcarried almost anywhere when not in use in carrying a child. Theapparatus provides freedom to the adult to use his or her hands and armsto perform normal tasks and movements, while still carrying the child,without jeopardizing the safety of the child.

In accordance with the invention, a first cuff and a second cuff areprovided for securing first and second ankles of a child, such as atoddler. The first cuff, for example, comprises a first strap and afirst cuff fastening member, wherein the first cuff fastening member isoperably coupled to the first strap, and wherein the first strap isconfigured to encircle and selectively clasp a first ankle of the child.The second cuff, for example, comprises a second strap and a second cufffastening member, wherein the second cuff fastening member is operablycoupled to the second strap, and wherein the second strap is configuredto encircle and selectively clasp a second ankle of the child. A belt isfurther provided, wherein the belt is configured to wrap around the backand under the arms of the adult who is to shoulder-carry the child. Thebelt has a first end and a second end associated therewith, wherein afirst belt fastening member is operably coupled to the first end of thebelt, and wherein the second belt fastening member is in selectivemating engagement with the first cuff fastening member is operablycoupled to the second end of the belt.

The first belt fastening member, for example, is configured toselectively mate and engage with the first cuff fastening member, andthe second belt fastening member is configured to selectively mate andengage with the second cuff fastening member. In one example, the firstbelt fastening member and first cuff fastening member generally define afirst quick-release buckle, and the second belt fastening member andsecond cuff fastening member generally define a second quick-releasebuckle. Accordingly, the first quick-release buckle and secondquick-release buckle can be easily engaged and disengaged using a singlehand of the adult, while the other hand can be used to stabilize thechild the adult's shoulders. Further, in accordance with anotherexample, the first cuff fastening member and second cuff fasteningmember are configured to generally prohibit a direct connection orcoupling of the first cuff to the second cuff.

According to one exemplary aspect, the belt further comprises a thirdstrap and a belt length adjustment member, wherein the belt lengthadjustment member generally determines a length of the belt between thefirst end and the second end thereof via a selective engagement betweenthe belt length adjustment member and the third strap.

In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the invention, theapparatus further comprises a carrier member operably coupled to thebelt, wherein the carrier member is configured to selectively enclosethe first cuff, second cuff, and belt therein. In one example, thecarrier member comprises a fabric flap operably coupled to the belt,wherein the fabric flap comprises a first closure member and a secondclosure member operably coupled to opposing ends thereof. The fabricflap is further configured to be folded upon itself, wherein the firstclosure member and second closure member selectively couple to oneanother, therein generally encasing the first cuff, second cuff, andbelt within the fabric flap.

The carrier member, in another example, comprises a case that detachablycoupled to the belt. The case, for example, comprises a closure member,and wherein the closure member generally secures the first cuff, secondcuff, and belt within the case. In accordance with yet another example,a clasp member is operably coupled to one or more of the carrier memberand the belt, wherein the clasp member is configured to selectivelycouple the case and/or belt to a personal object such as a pants beltloop, a purse, or other object. The clasp member, for example, comprisesa caribiner or a hasp, wherein the child carrying apparatus is securedto the personal object when the child is not being carried on theshoulders of the adult. Thus, the child carrying apparatus can be stowedor carried conveniently with minimal hassle or consideration of spacefor stowage.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the inventioncomprises the features hereinafter fully described and particularlypointed out in the claims. The following description and the annexeddrawings set forth in detail certain illustrative embodiments of theinvention. These embodiments are indicative, however, of a few of thevarious ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed.Other objects, advantages and novel features of the invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description of the inventionwhen considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a child carrier device inaccordance with one exemplary aspect of the invention.

FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate the apparatus of FIG. 1 being utilized toshoulder-carry a child in accordance with another exemplary aspect ofthe invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary carrier member according to yet anotheraspect of the invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates another exemplary carrier member according to stillanother aspect of the invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a method for shoulder-carrying a child in accordancewith an exemplary aspect of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed generally toward an apparatus andmethod for assisting a first person, such as an adult, in carryinganother person, such as a child, in a forward-facing seated position onthe shoulders of the first person. When in use for shoulder-carrying thesecond person, the apparatus safely secures legs, ankles, or feet of thesecond person in front of the first person. When not in use in carryingthe second person, the apparatus is highly portable can be stowed andcarried almost anywhere.

Accordingly, the present invention will now be described with referenceto the drawings, wherein like reference numerals may be used to refer tolike elements throughout. It should be understood that the descriptionof these aspects are merely illustrative and that they should not beinterpreted in a limiting sense. In the following description, forpurposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. Itwill be evident to one skilled in the art, however, that the presentinvention may be practiced without these specific details.

Referring now to the Figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a child-carryingapparatus 100 in accordance with one exemplary aspect of the invention.The apparatus 100, for example, comprises a first cuff 102, a secondcuff 104, and a belt 106, wherein the first and second cuffs and thebelt are configured to selective secure respective first and secondankles of a child, such as a toddler, when being shoulder-carried, aswill be further discussed infra. The first cuff 102 of FIG. 1, forexample, comprises a first strap 108 and a first cuff fastening member110, wherein the first cuff fastening member is operably coupled to thefirst strap, such as by being sewn to a first webbing 112, or otherwisecoupled to the first cuff. The second cuff 104, for example, comprises asecond strap 114 and a second cuff fastening member 116, wherein thesecond cuff fastening member is operably coupled to the second strap,such as by being sewn to a second webbing 118. The first and secondwebbing 112 and 118, for example, may be alternatively heat welded tothe respective first and second strap 108 and 114. In anotheralternative, the first cuff fastening member 110 and second cufffastening member 116 are coupled directly to the respective first strap108 and second strap 114.

According to another aspect, the belt 106, for example, comprises athird strap 120, wherein a first belt fastening member 122 is operablycoupled to a first end 124 of the belt, and wherein a second beltfastening member 126 is operably coupled to a second end 128 of thebelt. In accordance with the invention, the first belt fastening member122 is configured to be in selective mating engagement with the firstcuff fastening member 110, and the second belt fastening member 126 isconfigured to be in selective mating engagement with the second cufffastening member 116. For example, the first belt fastening member 122and first cuff fastening member 110 generally define a firstquick-release buckle 130, and the second belt fastening member 126 andsecond cuff fastening member 116 generally define a second quick-releasebuckle 132. The first quick-release buckle 130 and second quick-releasebuckle 132, for example, are comprised of plastic or other lightweight,yet durable material, having mating male and female ends. Accordingly,the first quick-release buckle 130 and second quick-release buckle 132,for example, are configured to be easily engaged and disengaged (e.g.,clasped and unclasped) using a single hand of a user of the apparatus.Such a single-handed engagement and disengagement generally frees theother hand of the user to be used otherwise, such as in stabilizing thechild the adult's shoulders during fitting of the apparatus 100.Alternative first and second quick-release buckles 130 and 132 are alsocontemplated, such as Velcro fasteners (not shown), or any otherfastener operable to selectively secure the first and second cuffs 102and 104 to the belt 106, and all such alternatives are contemplated asfalling within the scope of the present invention. One or more of thefirst strap 108, second strap 114, and third strap 120, for example, arecomprised of a flexible, yet strong, non-stretching material, such as anatural or synthetic webbing. For example, the first strap 108, secondstrap 114, and third strap 120 are comprised of a nylon or syntheticstrapping.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the first cuff fastening member 110 (the maleend of the first quick-release buckle 130) is further configured to matewith the second cuff fastening member 116 (the female end of the secondquick-release buckle 132), wherein the first cuff 102 can be directlycoupled to the second cuff 104. Such an arrangement can provide analternative use of the first and second cuffs 102 and 104 without thebelt 106, wherein the first and second cuffs may be operably coupled toa respective wrist of a first and second person (not shown).

It may be preferred, however, to generally prohibit the first cuff 102from being coupled directly to the second cuff 104 (e.g., such as forreasons of safety from tripping, etc.). In such a case, the first cufffastening member 110 and second cuff member 116 can be configured tocomprise similar, non-mating ends (e.g., both female ends).Alternatively, differing sizes or configurations between the firstquick-release buckle 130 and second quick-release buckle 132 can beprovided, wherein a mating between the first cuff fastening member 110and second cuff fastening member 116 is generally prohibited.

In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the invention, the firstcuff 102 further comprises a first cuff length adjustment member 134,wherein the first cuff length adjustment member generally determines alength of the first cuff via a selective engagement between the firstcuff length adjustment member and the first strap 108. Likewise, thesecond cuff 104 further comprises a second cuff length adjustment member136, wherein the second cuff length adjustment member generallydetermines a length of the second cuff via a selective engagementbetween the second cuff length adjustment member and the second strap114. The first cuff length adjustment member 1 34 and second cuff lengthadjustment member 136, for example, comprise respective Velcro bands138A, 138B and 140A, 140B coupled to opposing sides of the respectivefirst strap and second strap 108 and 114. Alternatively or in addition,the first cuff length adjustment member 134 and second cuff lengthadjustment member 136 respectively comprise one or more of a pluralityof snaps, and a buckle (not shown), wherein the first and second cufflength adjustment members respectively control a length (e.g.,circumference) of the respective first cuff 102 and second cuff 104.Accordingly, the first cuff length adjustment member 134 and second cufflength adjustment member 136 are configured to generally provide acomfortable, yet snug engagement of a first ankle 142 and second ankle144 of a child 146, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2B.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the first cuff 102 and the second cuff 104,for example, each further comprise a first cuff pad member 148 and asecond cuff pad member 150 respectively operably coupled to at least aportion of the first strap 108 and second strap 114. The first andsecond cuff pad member 148 and 150, for example, are comprised ofNeoprene or other cushioning material, and generally provide a cushionbetween the respective first ankle 142 and first strap 108 and thesecond ankle 144 and the second strap 114 for comfort of the child 146of FIGS. 2A-2B. In another exemplary aspect, the belt 106 furthercomprises belt pad member (not shown) operably coupled to the thirdstrap 120, wherein the belt pad member generally provides a cushionbetween the third strap and the back 152 of the adult 154. The belt padmember, for example, may be comprised of similar material as the firstand second cuff pad members 148 and 150.

Referring again to FIG. 1, according to another exemplary aspect, thebelt 106 further comprises a belt length adjustment member 156 operablycoupled to the third strap 120, wherein the belt length adjustmentmember generally determines a length of the belt between the first end124 and the second end 128 thereof via a selective engagement betweenthe belt length adjustment member and the third strap. Thus, the lengthof the belt 106, for example, can be controlled based on a size of theadult 154 and a desired position of the first and second ankles 142 and144 of the child 146.

Again, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2B, the belt 106 is configured to wraparound the back 152 and under the arms 156 of the adult 154 forshoulder-carrying the child 146 when the child is in a seated position.Therefore, when the child 146 is sitting on the shoulders 158 of theadult 154, the first and second cuffs 102 and 104 are secured around theankles 142,144 or lower portion of child's legs. The belt 106, beingoperably coupled to the first and second cuffs 102 and 104, thusprovides a forward end of travel point for the child's legs, thussecuring the child from falling backwards off of the shoulders 158 ofthe adult 154. Such a security of the child 146 thus provides the adult154 with freedom to use their arms 156 and hands to perform normal tasksand movements, while not jeopardizing the safety of the child.

In accordance with yet another exemplary aspect of the invention, theapparatus 100 of FIG. 1 further comprises a carrier member 160, asillustrated in FIG. 3. The carrier member 160, for example, isselectively operably coupled to the belt 106 of FIG. 1, wherein thecarrier member is configured to selectively enclose the first cuff 102,second cuff 104, and belt 106 therein. As illustrated in FIG. 3, thecarrier member 160 comprises a case 162 detachably coupled to the belt106 of FIG. 1, via a clasp member 164, such as a caribiner or a hasp,operably coupled thereto. The clasp member 164, for example, isconfigured to selectively couple the carrier member 160 and/or belt 106to a personal object such as a pants belt loop, a purse, or other objectwhen the child is not being carried on the shoulders of the adult viathe apparatus 100. Thus, the child carrying apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 canbe stowed or carried conveniently with minimal hassle or considerationof space for stowage. As further illustrated in FIG. 3, the case 162further comprises an closure member 166, and wherein the closure membergenerally secures the first cuff, second cuff, and belt (not shown)within the case. The closure member 166, for example, comprises one ormore of a zipper, drawstring, snap, or biased material operably coupledto the case 162.

According to yet another exemplary aspect, as illustrated in FIG. 4, thecarrier member 160 comprises a fabric flap 168 operably coupled to thebelt 106, wherein the fabric flap comprises a first closure member 170Aand a second closure member 170B operably coupled to opposing ends 172A,172B of the fabric flap. Accordingly, the fabric flap 168 is configuredto be folded upon itself, wherein the first and second closure members170A, 170B selectively couple to one another, therein generally encasingthe first cuff 102, second cuff 104, and belt 106 of FIG. 1 within thefabric flap. The first and second closure members 170A, 170B, forexample, comprise one or more of Velcro, snap(s), or other devicecapable of selectively fastening together opposing ends 172A, 172B ofthe fabric flap 168.

In accordance with yet another exemplary aspect, one or more of thefirst cuff 102, second cuff 104, belt 106, and carrier member 160 ofFIGS. 1, 3, and 4 comprise an insignia 176 (as illustrated in FIGS. 3and 4) operably coupled thereto. The insignia 176, for example,comprises any indicia desired, such as a logo, owner's name,advertisement, or other indicia. The insignia 176, for example, can bescreen printed, embroidered, or otherwise affixed to the carrier member160.

According to still another exemplary aspect of the present invention,FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary method 200 for carrying a child on theshoulders of an adult utilizing the apparatus of the present invention.While exemplary methods are illustrated and described herein as a seriesof acts or events, it will be appreciated that the present invention isnot limited by the illustrated ordering of such acts or events, as somesteps may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other stepsapart from that shown and described herein, in accordance with theinvention. In addition, not all illustrated steps may be required toimplement a methodology in accordance with the present invention.Moreover, it will be appreciated that the methods may be implemented inassociation with the systems illustrated and described herein as well asin association with other systems not illustrated.

The method 200 begins with act 205, wherein a child is placed on theshoulders of the adult in a seated position. The buttocks of the child,for example, rest on the shoulders of the adult and the legs of thechild extend around the neck of the adult and toward the chest of theadult. In act 210, a first cuff is placed and secured around a firstankle of the child, and in act 215, a second cuff is placed and securedaround a second ankle of the child. It should be noted that acts 210 and215 can be performed while the child is either on or off the shouldersof the adult, and that the child may continue to wear the first andsecond cuffs when not being carried on the shoulders of the adult.

In act 220, a first end of a belt is coupled to the first cuff. In act225, the belt is wrapped around the back of the adult, and in act 230, asecond end of the belt is coupled to the second cuff. Thus, uponcoupling the first and second ends of the belt to the first and secondcuffs, the first and second ankles of the child are generally confinedfrom forward motion via the relationship of the first and second cuffsand the belt to the adult and ankles of the child.

Therefore, the apparatus of the present invention provides both securityto the child, as well as convenience to the adult. Further, since theapparatus of the present invention is configured to be compact andeasily carried in a small case or pouch worn on a waist belt, or as analternative, carried in a purse or other enclosure, the apparatus can beconveniently brought to and used at parades, fairs, amusement parks,tourist locations, or anywhere a child would benefit from a higher viewpoint, or an adult would benefit from an easy mode of transporting achild.

Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to acertain preferred embodiment or embodiments, it is obvious thatequivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled inthe art upon the reading and understanding of this specification and theannexed drawings. In particular regard to the various functionsperformed by the above described components (assemblies, devices, etc.),the terms (including a reference to a “means”) used to describe suchcomponents are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, toany component which performs the specified function of the describedcomponent (i.e., that is functionally equivalent), even though notstructurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs thefunction in the herein illustrated exemplary embodiments of theinvention. In addition, while a particular feature of the invention mayhave been disclosed with respect to only one of several embodiments,such feature may be combined with one or more other features of theother embodiments as may be desired and advantageous for any given orparticular application. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms“includes”, “having”, “has”, “with”, or variants thereof are used ineither the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intendedto be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Also, theterm “exemplary”, as utilized herein, simply denotes an illustrativeexample or instance, and not necessarily a preferred embodiment, unlessotherwise indicated.

1. An apparatus for assisting an adult in shoulder-carrying a child, theapparatus comprising: a first cuff comprising a first strap and a firstcuff fastening member, wherein the first cuff fastening member isoperably coupled to the first strap, and wherein the first strap isconfigured to encircle and selectively clasp a first ankle of the child;a second cuff comprising a second strap and a second cuff fasteningmember, wherein the second cuff fastening member is operably coupled tothe second strap, and wherein the second strap is configured to encircleand selectively clasp a second ankle of the child; and a belt having afirst end and a second end, wherein the belt is configured to wraparound the back and under the arms of the adult, wherein the beltfurther comprises: a third strap; a belt length adjustment member,wherein the belt length adjustment member generally determines a lengthof the belt between the first end and the second end thereof via aselective engagement between the belt length adjustment member and thethird strap; a first belt fastening member in selective matingengagement with the first cuff fastening member, wherein the first beltfastening member is operably coupled to the first end of the belt; and asecond belt fastening member in selective mating engagement with thesecond cuff fastening member, wherein the second belt fastening memberis operably coupled to the second end of the belt.
 2. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the first cuff further comprises a first cuff lengthadjustment member, wherein the first cuff length adjustment membergenerally determines a length of the first cuff via a selectiveengagement between the first cuff length adjustment member and the firststrap, and wherein the second cuff further comprises a second cufflength adjustment member, wherein the second cuff length adjustmentmember generally determines a length of the second cuff via a selectiveengagement between the second cuff length adjustment member and thesecond strap.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first cuff lengthadjustment member and second cuff length adjustment member comprise arespective Velcro bands coupled to opposing sides of the respectivefirst strap and second strap.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein thefirst cuff length adjustment member and second cuff length adjustmentmember respectively comprise one or more of a plurality of snaps, and abuckle.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first cuff and thesecond cuff further each comprise a cuff pad member respectivelyoperably coupled to at least a portion of the first strap and secondstrap, wherein the cuff pad member generally provides a cushion betweenthe respective first ankle and strap and the second ankle and secondstrap.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the belt further comprisesbelt pad member operably coupled to the third strap, wherein the beltpad member generally provides a cushion between the third strap and theback of the adult.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising acarrier member operably coupled to the belt, wherein the carrier memberis configured to selectively enclose the first cuff, second cuff, andbelt therein.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the carrier membercomprises a fabric flap operably coupled to the belt, wherein the fabricflap comprises a first closure member and a second closure memberoperably coupled to opposing ends thereof, wherein the fabric flap isconfigured to be folded upon itself, wherein the first closure memberand second closure member selectively couple to one another, thereingenerally encasing the first cuff, second cuff, and belt within thefabric flap.
 9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the carrier membercomprises a case detachably coupled to the belt, wherein the casecomprises an closure member, and wherein the closure member generallysecures the first cuff, second cuff, and belt within the case.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 9, wherein the closure member comprises a zipper,drawstring, snap, or biased material operably coupled to the case. 11.The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the carrier member comprises a claspmember operably coupled thereto.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, whereinthe clasp member comprises a caribiner or a hasp.
 13. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the first cuff fastening member and first beltfastening member generally define a first quick-release buckle havingmating male and female ends, and wherein the second cuff fasteningmember and second belt fastening member generally define a secondquick-release buckle having mating male and female ends.
 14. Theapparatus of claim 13, wherein the first cuff fastening member andsecond cuff fastening member do not mate with one another, thereingenerally prohibiting a direct coupling of the first cuff to the secondcuff.
 15. An child-carrying apparatus, comprising: a first cuff; asecond cuff; a belt having a first end and a second end; a firstquick-release buckle operably coupled to the first cuff and the firstend of the belt, wherein the first quick-release buckle providesselective coupling of the first cuff to the belt via a mating engagementof male and female components thereof; a second quick-release buckleoperably coupled to the second cuff and the second end of the belt,wherein the second quick-release buckle provides selective coupling ofthe second cuff to the belt via a mating engagement of male and femalecomponents thereof; and a compact carrier member, wherein the compactcarrier member is configured to selectively enclose the first cuff,second cuff, belt, first quick-release buckle, and second quick-releasebuckle.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first cuff comprisesa first strap and a first cuff fastening member operably coupled to thefirst strap, wherein the first strap is configured to encircle andselectively clasp a first ankle of a child, and wherein the second cuffcomprises a second strap and a second cuff fastening member operablycoupled to the second strap, and wherein the second strap is configuredto encircle and selectively clasp a second ankle of the child, andwherein the belt further comprises a third strap, a belt lengthadjustment member, a first belt fastening member in selective matingengagement with the first cuff fastening member, and a second beltfastening member in selective mating engagement with the second cufffastening member, wherein the belt length adjustment member generallydetermines a length of the belt between the first end and the second endthereof via a selective engagement between the belt length adjustmentmember and the third strap, wherein the first belt fastening member isoperably coupled to the first end of the belt, and wherein the secondbelt fastening member is operably coupled to the second end of the belt.17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the compact carrier membercomprises a case operably coupled to the belt, wherein the casecomprises an closure member, and wherein the closure member generallysecures at least the first cuff, second cuff, and belt within the case.18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the compact carrier memberfurther comprises a clasp member operably coupled thereto.
 19. Theapparatus of claim 15, wherein the one or more of the first cuff, secondcuff, belt, and compact carrier member comprise an insignia operablycoupled thereto.
 20. A method for carrying a child on the shoulders ofan adult, the method comprising: placing a child on the shoulders of theadult in a seated position, wherein the buttocks of the child rest onthe shoulders of the adult and the legs of the child extend around theneck of the adult and toward the chest of the adult; placing a firstcuff around a first ankle of the child; placing a second cuff around asecond ankle of the child; coupling a first end of a belt to the firstcuff; wrapping the belt around the back of the adult; and coupling asecond end of the belt to the second cuff, wherein the first and secondankles of the child are generally confined from forward motion via thecoupling of the first and second cuffs to the belt.